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PonyFan Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Zero article

"The elder sister took on responsibility for both sun and moon…"

Could you tell me the reason why no definite articles are added in front of sun and moon? I was taught that they always accompanied definite articles in my school. Thanks in advance!

The line is quoted from
in 01:20
The transcript is in http://mlp.wikia.com/wiki/Transcripts/Friendship_is_Magic,_part_1
  

Top answer

With no article, it represents the concept of sun and moon, not the physical bodies. Here is another example: When his parents died, the eldest brother had to be both father and mother to his younger siblings. )

— AlpheccaStars

  • With no article, it represents the concept of sun and moon, not the physical bodies.
  • Here is another example: When his parents died, the eldest brother had to be both father and mother to his younger siblings.
  • )
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3 Answers
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With no article, it represents the concept of sun and moon, not the physical bodies.

Here is another example:

When his parents died, the eldest brother had to be both father and mother to his younger siblings. (he had to perform the functions of motherhood and fatherhood.)
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So if you say "The elder sister took on responsibility for both the sun and moon…", is the meaning of both the sentences very almost same? If so, do there any differences of implications in the sentences exist?
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The meaning is nearly the same.
Without the article, the tone is less definite, perhaps more mystical.
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